Service upgrades

China's rail network now stretches over 162,000 km-including 48,000 km of high-speed rail, the longest in the world. Over 4.08 billion passenger trips were made via the railway network last year in China, highlighting the potential growth opportunities of tourism trains.

"Tourism trains have been developing for over twenty years in China. In the past, they couldn't operate on a large scale because the existing rail lines didn't have enough capacity. But in recent years with the rapid growth of high-speed rail, the railway network has expanded greatly, making it much easier for tourist trains to operate on a larger, market-driven scale," said Zhu Wenzhong, an official with China State Railway Group.

"In recent years, we have seen a rapid development of the operation of tourism trains. The number of such trains reached a record high of 1,860 in 2024, nearly a 50 percent increase from 2019. Most passengers-about 80 percent-are seniors," he said.

Popular routes include Xinjiang, Yunnan and Heilongjiang, with about 1 million tourist trips last year, he noted.

"Seniors are becoming the major clients to ride tourist trains," he added.

To better serve elderly travelers, all trains use air-conditioned coaches and offer tailored services. Menus are designed with senior nutrition in mind, while medical personnel and common medications are also onboard. Larger seats, handrails, emergency call buttons and wheelchair-accessible layouts further ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Train activities include music, reading and chess, while health consultations, blood pressure checks and emergency care are also available.

"We offer healthy meals onboard, managing salt, sugar and oil intake. High-fiber and high-protein options ensure a balanced diet for passengers with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes," said Zhao Huaying, a business manager at China Railway Travel Group's tourism train division. "Dedicated medical support is also provided."

Each tourism train is staffed with medical personnel capable of handling common health emergencies such as cardiac events or injuries. Medical kits and emergency call buttons are installed for added safety, train conductor Zhang Wenquan said.

"My husband and I are traveling far from home, and we feel so reassured with this level of care," said 78-year-old Feng Zhongmei from Nanchang, who traveled to Fujian on a tourist train.

In addition, the "silver-haired "tourism trains also welcome young people and family outings are also one of the major options.

Passengers can gain detailed information about specific tourism trains via the 12306 app, with departure times, prices and itineraries provided.